Manchester United have been tipped to top football’s rich list by the end of the season - boosting Louis van Gaal’s pursuit of top targets Gareth Bale and John Stones.

Despite slipping to third in the latest edition Deloitte's Football Money League - United’s return to the Champions League and record-breaking kit deal with Adidas is expected to see them post revenues as high as £500m.

With executive vice chairman Ed Woodward ready to back Van Gaal in the transfer market again this summer, such sums will only strengthen the Dutchman’s bid to bring world’s best players to Old Trafford.

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Bale is a long-term target, with United prepared to break the world transfer record to prise him away from Real Madrid.

Van Gaal’s scouts have also watched Stones this season - and know it would take an offer in excess of £45m to convince Everton to sell.

United actually saw their revenues fall by £38m last season, as they counted the cost of missing out on Europe.

But their commercial revenue continued to grow by four percent to exceed £200m.

Van Gaal will be backed in the transfer market again this summer

And experts say sponsorship deals around the world and the return to European competition, could see them leap-frog Real Madrid and Barcelona in the money stakes.

Dan Jones of business advisory firm Deloitte said: “Despite seeing their revenue decrease and slipping to third place, Manchester United again showed the strength of their business, with commercial revenues increasing despite disappointing results on the pitch.

“The return to Champions League football, as well as the commencement of a number of significant commercial partnerships, will only strengthen United in 2015/16. With this in mind, it would not be surprising to see United top next year’s Money League for the first time in 12 years, with the club forecasting revenues of around £500m.”